Retail convenience market technology with enhanced vendor administration and user mobile app functionality

ABSTRACT

A self-service, self-checkout micro-market retail shopping system for disposition and use in an private or public office, factory or other workspace for use by employees, workers and the like. The micro-market may supply snacks, candies, beverages, other food items and various convenience items such as toiletries for use by employees, workers and other during the work day, lunch and break time. The micro-market may also supply work related items such as uniforms and apparel, tools, office supplies, travel accessories and the like. The devices and process also include enhanced vendor administration tools and functionality. The devices and process also include enhanced user ability to use mobile devices and apps, and on-line tools for creating and managing accounts and for purchasing items.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. §119(e) of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/207,392, filed Mar. 12, 2014, which further claims the benefit ofProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/777,906 filed Mar. 12, 2013,entitled Retail Convenience Market Technology, and Ser. No. 61/962,177filed Nov. 1, 2013 entitled Retail Convenience Market Technology withEnhanced Vendor Administration and User Mobile App Functionality, whichare both hereby incorporated by reference.

37 C.F.R. §1.71(E) AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, retail merchandise and vendingsystems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, the invention relates to aself service, self-checkout, micro to small retail market system,apparatus and methods. Most particularly, the invention relates to aself-service, self-checkout micro-market retail shopping system fordisposition and use in an private or public office, factory or otherworkspace for use by employees, workers and the like. The micro-marketmay supply snacks, beverages, other food items and various convenienceitems for use by employees, workers and other during the work day, lunchand break time.

2. Background Information

Existing technology in this field is believed to have significantlimitations and shortcomings.

All US patents and patent applications, and all other publisheddocuments mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a self-service, self-checkout micromarket system, apparatus and methods which are practical, reliable,accurate and efficient, and which are believed to constitute animprovement over the background technology.

The invention provides a self-service, self-checkout micro-market retailshopping system for disposition and use in an private or public office,factory or other workspace for use by employees, workers and the like.The micro-market may supply snacks, candies, beverages, other food itemsand various convenience items such as toiletries for use by employees,workers and other during the work day, lunch and break time. Themicro-market may also supply work related items such as uniforms andapparel, tools, office supplies, travel accessories and the like.

The invention provides a means for the customer user to order variousservices in addition to products. Such services may include, but are notlimited to dry cleaning services, postal services, financial services,and the like.

The invention provides various hardware items for use in themicro-market including, rack, shelving and related merchandise displays;kitchenette facilities and systems; checkout kiosk and other apparatus;security systems and apparatus; and merchandise and account managementsystems, apparatus and methods.

The invention provides enhanced vendor administration tools andfunctionality.

The invention provides enhanced user ability to use mobile devices andapps, and on-line tools for creating and managing accounts and forpurchasing items.

The invention also provides a small market for selling articlescomprising, at least one display for storing and displaying articles forsale and a kiosk for checking out articles which are purchased by auser, the kiosk being communicatively connected to a control server viathe Internet, and wherein a user and an administrator can access thecontrol server via the Internet to establish, view and edit user andadministrator accounts stored at the control server associated with themarket.

The present invention is believed to involve novel elements, combined innovel ways to yield more than predictable results. The problems solvedby the invention were not fully recognized in the prior art.

The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the inventionwill become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing description, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the checkout area of an embodiment of themicro-market of the present invention, including an embodiment of acheckout kiosk for use in the micro-market.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of rack and display systems for merchandisefor use in the micro-market, including bulk item bins, refrigeratorcooler, freezer cooler and various other systems. Also shown is aaudio-visual display apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows further embodiments of the merchandise rack and displaysystems, including wall hanging systems, weight measurement means, andvarious floor standing hangers and displays.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a checkout kiosk of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view (from the right side) of the checkoutkiosk.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view (from the left side) of the checkout kiosk.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the checkout kiosk.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of the customer interface elements of the kiosk.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the touch-screen interface of the kiosk.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the control interface of the kiosk,including an introductory or welcome screen with means to startshopping, create a new account, access an existing account, browse orsearch for items, review suggestions, and order services such as drycleaning.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a checkout screen.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a look up screen for finding variousproducts for checkout.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a payment inquiry screen.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a payment method selection screen.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a cash payment screen.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of an account balance screen.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a credit card payment input screen.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of credit card payment finalization screen.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a payment means selection screen.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of new account data input screen.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a login-type screen.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of an email login screen.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a quick-pin login screen.

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of services ordering screen, for exampledry-cleaning pickup scheduling.

FIG. 25 is a network and hardware diagram of an embodiment of the retailconvenience market system of the invention comprising kiosk, mobiledevice app, and website use (shopping) and management tools for use bythe user (shopper) and administrators.

FIG. 26 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of the website managementtool of the system.

FIG. 27 is a use case diagram of the website.

FIG. 28 is a use case diagram of an embodiment of the kiosk managementtool of the system.

FIG. 29 is an activity diagram of the kiosk.

FIG. 30 is use case diagram of the kiosk.

FIG. 31 is a logic flow diagram of the kiosk.

FIG. 32 is a use case diagram of an embodiment of the mobile device appshopping tool of the system.

FIG. 33 is an activity diagram of the mobile device app.

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment of a user interface home screen for managinga user account by a user/customer or for monitoring the market by amarket administrator.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of an account registration user interfacetherefor.

FIG. 36 shows an embodiment of a user interface for confirmingregistration of an account and for viewing the account and adding otherinformation such as a link to a credit card.

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of an Account—Home/Account screen or userinterface for use by a market user/customer, the screen or pageincluding links to Credit Card Info, Contact Info, Change Password,Requests, History, Coupons, Rewards and Garage Sale screens or pages.

FIG. 38 shows an Account—Credit Card Information screen therefor.

FIG. 39 shows an Account—Contact Information screen therefor.

FIG. 40 shows an Account—Change Password screen therefor.

FIG. 41 shows a Request—New Item screen therefor.

FIG. 42 shows a Request—Refund screen therefor.

FIG. 43 shows an embodiment of an Administrative Management Home screenfor managing a market site for use by a market/sit administrator, thescreen including links to Warehouse, Store, Catalogs, User, Accounting,Trust Accounting, Reports and Kitchen pages or groups.

FIG. 44 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Manage Warehouse Items page.

FIG. 45 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Manage Warehouse Inventorypage.

FIG. 46 shows an embodiment of an Item Look Up dialog box therefor.

FIG. 47 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Import Catalog Items toWarehouse page.

FIG. 48 shows an embodiment of a Create/Edit Warehouse Categories dialogbox therefor.

FIG. 49 shows an embodiment of an Edit Demo Item Categories dialog boxtherefor.

FIG. 50 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Create Warehouse Order page.

FIG. 51 shows an embodiment of an Order Submitted Confirmation pagetherefor.

FIG. 52 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—View Warehouse Orders page.

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Receive “Demo” (Store)Warehouse Order page.

FIG. 54 shows an embodiment of a Catalog—Add Item To Test Catalog page.

FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of a Scan To Add Items to “Demo” store page.

FIG. 56 shows an embodiment of a Store—Manage Store Items page.

FIG. 57 shows an embodiment of a Store—Manage Store Inventory page.

FIG. 58 shows an embodiment of a Store—Scan To Add Items to Demo Storepage.

FIG. 59 shows a Store—Verify Store Inventory page.

FIG. 60 shows an embodiment of a Store—Import Items to Store page.

FIG. 61 shows an embodiment of a Store—Create/Edit Store Categoriespage.

FIG. 62 shows an embodiment of a Store—Edit Demo Store Item Categoriespage.

FIG. 63 shows an embodiment of a Store—Create Store Order page.

FIG. 64 shows an embodiment of a Store—Change Existing Order page/dialogbox.

FIG. 65 shows an embodiment of a Store—Receive Demo Store Order page.

FIG. 66 shows an embodiment of a Store—View Store Item Information page.

FIG. 67 shows an embodiment of a Store—Store Settings page.

FIG. 68 shows an embodiment of a Store—Station (or Kiosk) Settings page.

FIG. 69 shows an embodiment of a User—User Management page.

FIG. 70 shows an Accounting—Account Credit/Reimbursement page.

FIG. 71 shows an Accounting—Cashbox Reconciliation page.

FIG. 72 shows an embodiment of a Trust Accounting—Tax Collected page.

FIG. 73 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Cashbox Reconciliation Historypage.

FIG. 74 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Cash Transactions page.

FIG. 75 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Credit Card Transactions page.

FIG. 76 shows an embodiment of a Reports—User Transactions page.

FIG. 77 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Market Account Deposits by Datepage.

FIG. 78 shows an embodiment of a Reports—All Transactions page.

FIG. 79 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Average Customer Transactionspage.

FIG. 80 shows an embodiment of a Reports—Sales By Item page.

FIG. 81 shows an embodiment of a touch screen user interface for anApple iPod4 of a Home Screen for the mobile app for use by customers ofthe market of the invention.

FIG. 82 shows an embodiment of a user interface for Purchase Item forSearching for items or Scanning items.

FIG. 83 shows an embodiment of an Add Item via Scan screen following thescreen of FIG. x50.

FIG. 84 shows an embodiment of a View Cart screen.

FIG. 85 shows an embodiment of an Initial Checkout screen.

FIG. 86 shows an embodiment of a final, Confirm Checkout screen.

FIG. 87 shows an embodiment of a Final or Transaction Completed screen.

FIG. 88 shows an embodiment of Login screen via scan barcode.

FIG. 89 shows an embodiment of an About information screen.

FIG. 90 shows an embodiment of an Account screen.

FIGS. 91-111 show yet another embodiment of the administrator interface,pages and sub-pages for a vendor to manage their market.

FIG. 112 shows a further embodiment of a Purchase Items page for a UserAccount.

FIG. 113 shows an example balance sheet for a market.

FIG. 114 is another view of the kiosk login screen.

FIGS. 115 to 118 are views of select mobile app interfaces for an AppleiPad.

FIGS. 119 to 125 are views of select mobile app user interfaces for aniPhone 5.

FIGS. 126 to 133 are view of select website user interfaces.

FIGS. 134 to 139 are views of select kiosk user interfaces.

FIGS. 140 to 143 are views of select mobile app interfaces.

FIGS. 144 to 153 are view of select website administrator interfaces.

FIG. 154 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a kiosk, whichutilizes a tablet PC.

FIG. 155 is a front view of the alternative kiosk with its front coverremoved and showing a tablet PC embedded in a frame.

FIG. 156 is a front view of the alternative kiosk with the table PCremoved.

FIG. 157 shows a Raspberry Pi type ARM GNU/Linux box thatcommunicatively connects the table PC to a scanner module.

FIG. 158 is an alternative embodiment of use case diagram relative tothe embodiment of FIG. 32 for users using either a mobile device or akiosk, including a deposit to account feature.

FIG. 159 is an alternative embodiment of a mobile application activitydiagram relative to the embodiment of FIG. 33, including a deposit toaccount process steps.

FIG. 160 shows an embodiment of an alternative embodiment of mobile appAccount Screen, relative to the screen shown in FIG. 90, including adeposit funds key.

FIG. 161 shows an embodiment of a deposit selection screen following thescreen of FIG. 160, including several predetermined deposit amounts.

FIG. 162 shows an embodiment of a credit card selection screen followingthe screen of FIG. 161, including plural sample credit card accounts tobe selected from.

FIG. 163 shows an embodiment of a deposit finalization screen followingthe screen of FIG. 162.

FIG. 164 shows an embodiment of a deposit confirmation or receipt screenfollowing the screen of FIG. 163.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a self-service, self-checkout micro-market retailshopping system for disposition and use in an private or public office,factory or other workspace for use by employees, workers and the like.The micro-market may supply items or articles such as snacks, candies,beverages, other food items and various convenience items such astoiletries for use by employees, workers and other during the work day,lunch and break time. The micro-market may also supply work relateditems such as uniforms and apparel, tools, office supplies, travelaccessories and the like.

The invention provides a means for the customer user to order variousservices in addition to products. Such services may include, but are notlimited to dry cleaning services, postal services, financial services,and the like.

The invention provides various hardware items for use in themicro-market including, rack, shelving and related merchandise displays;kitchenette facilities and systems; checkout kiosk and other apparatus;security systems and apparatus; and merchandise and account managementsystems, apparatus and methods.

The system provides enhanced vendor administration tools andfunctionality. The system also provides enhanced user ability to usemobile devices and apps, and on-line tools for creating and managingaccounts and for purchasing items.

The system, apparatus and methods of the invention permits users such asemployees, building and facilities staff, and organization members toquickly and conveniently shop for and purchase a variety of necessary oruseful items, without having to leave the place of employment or otherfacility. The system permits the user to make purchases by a variety ofmeans including cash or cash-less such as credit or debit cards, specialaccounts, payroll deduction and the like. Cashless card swiping permitfaster checkout. A mobile device app permits faster login and accountsettlement. The system of the invention is beneficial to employersbecause the employees do not have to leave the premises and can checkoutfaster, thus increasing business and organizational productivity. Also,because the system is self-service, an additional employee or employeesare not necessary to staff the market. The system is automated tofacilitate easier financial transaction processing and merchandisestocking and control.

FIGS. 1-9 show an embodiment of a micro-market 10 of the presentinvention, including an embodiment of a checkout kiosk 15 for use in themicro-market. FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of rack and displaysystems for merchandise for use in the micro-market, including bulk itembins 16, refrigerator cooler 17, freezer cooler 18 and various othersystems. Also shown is a audio-visual display apparatus. The market mayalso include merchandise rack and display systems, including wallhanging systems 19, weight measurement means, and various floor standinghangers and displays 20. The market may have a toaster, oven 21A and/ormicrowave oven 21B. The market may have a TV/monitor 22, music system orother AV devices.

FIGS. 4-9 show an embodiment of a checkout kiosk 15 of the presentinvention. FIG. 8 is a detail view of the customer interface elements ofthe kiosk, including a touch screen interface 30, bar code scanner(s)31, a card reader 32, a thumb print reader 33 and a cash depositmechanism 34. A bagging station 35 is shown disposed on the side of thekiosk 15. FIG. 9 is a detail view of the touch-screen interface 30 ofthe kiosk.

FIGS. 10-24 show an embodiment of the control interface of the kiosk 15which is used by the user/shopper to check out, including anintroductory or welcome screen with means to start shopping, create anew account, access an existing account, browse or search for items,review suggestions, and order services such as dry cleaning. FIG. 10shows the home or login screen 110 of the kiosk. FIG. 11 shows anembodiment of a checkout screen 118. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of alook up screen 114 for finding various products for checkout. FIG. 13shows an embodiment of a login prior to payment inquiry screen 118A.FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a payment method selection screen 118A.FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a cash payment screen 118B. FIG. 16 showsan embodiment of an account balance screen 118C. FIG. 17 shows anembodiment of a credit card payment input screen 118D. FIG. 18 shows anembodiment of payroll deduction payment screen 118E. FIG. 19 showsanother payment means selection screen 118A. FIG. 20 shows an embodimentof new account data input screen 112. FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of alogin-type screen 113. FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of an email loginscreen 134. FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a quick-pin login screen 133.FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of services ordering screen, for exampledry-cleaning pickup scheduling.

Referring to the network and hardware diagram of FIG. 25, one embodimentof the retail convenience market system 50 of the invention compriseskiosk 51, mobile device app 52, and website 53 use (shopping) andmanagement tools for use by the user (shopper) 54 and administrators 55.One or more kiosks 51, preferably android OS based devices) are disposedat the market and are used by shoppers 54 to checkout at the conclusionof shopping. The users 54 may have a mobile device 52 such as a smartphone (android, iOS based), iPod or iPad. A shopping app (described infurther detail below) of the system 50 may be installed on the device 54to permit shopping and other tasks in place of or in cooperation withthe kiosk 51. Users 54 may also access the system to manage theiraccounts via a website available via a web browser 53 either on thepremises of the market or remotely. The kiosk 51, mobile app 52 andbrowser 53 are communicatively connected to a traffic load balancer 56via the Internet. The load balancer 56 is preferably a software loadbalancer and most preferably a cloud based system such as Amazon WebServices load balancer. These user interface components 51, 52 and 53are communicatively connected through firewall 57 to a master server 58and a server 59. The master server 58 is an application server that actsas DNS for market activities and also handles global data transfer overthe entire system 50. The server 59 handles database activities andtraffic, and communication between each kiosk 51. The server 59 maycomprise a plurality of server machines that may be added and dropped asthe need for server services changes. Referring also to FIGS. 111-114,the system 50 may also include tablet based kiosks 60 utilizing ARMmicrocontrollers 60A. An exemplary microcontroller is preferably aRaspberry Pi microcontroller.

The means and method of users 54, site administrators 55A and superadministrators 55B to access the system 50 via web access 53 is furthershown in FIGS. 26 and 27 which show webs access features of the system50. Referring to FIG. 26, the user 54 or administrator 55 logs in to thewebsite for permission to access user 65, administrator 66A or superadministrator 66B resources. FIG. 27 is a use case diagram of website 53access. A standard user 54 may access the website to view or editcontact information 70 (See also FIG. 39) for their account, request newitems 71 (See also FIG. 41), request a refund 72 (See also FIG. 42),deposit funds into their account 73 (payment portal function—See alsoFIG. 38), view purchase history 74 (See also FIG. 126), and view accountbalance 76 (See also FIG. 37). A site administrator (store vendor orowner) 55A has all of the tools available to the user, and canadditionally manage warehouse inventory 77 (See also FIG. 45), managewarehouse orders 78 (See also FIGS. 50-53), perform global itemmanagement 79 (See also FIGS. 128 and 129), manage store inventory 80(See also FIGS. 57-62 and 66), manage store orders 81 (See also FIGS.63-65), view and edit store settings 82 (See also FIG. 67), view andedit station settings 83 (See also FIG. 68), remotely support kiosks 84(See also FIG. 133), create items 85 (See also FIG. 144), manage users86 (See also FIG. 69), credit and reimburse accounts 87 (FIG. 70),create reports for transactions and inventory 88 (See also FIG. 72-80)and access system user manuals and training resource 89 (See also FIGS.151-153). A site super user (system administrator) 55B has all ofaforementioned tools available to the site administrator 55A, andadditionally can manage catalogs 90 (See also FIG. 146), manage androidmobile devices 91 (See FIG. 145), manage vendors/administrators 92 (FIG.148), create stores 93 (FIG. 147), create invoice reports 94 (FIG. 150)and manage tablet based kiosks 95 (FIG. 149).

The means and method of users 54 to shop and access the system 50 forother purposes via kiosk access 51 is further shown in FIGS. 28-31 whichshow kiosk access features of the system 50. Referring first to the usecase diagram of FIG. 28, the user 54 can checkout to purchase items 96,view purchase history 97, change their account password 98, add a scantag 99, make a credit card deposit to their account 100, change theiremail contact information 101 and suggest 102 items or the like to beadded, deleted or changed to the market. Referring to the activity andlogic diagrams of FIGS. 29 and 31, a user 54 approaches the kiosk 51 andis presented with a home screen 110A including a start button option110B. Clicking start provides preferably five option: scan item 111,create account 112, log in to existing account 113, look up item 114(configurable) and make suggestion 115. Upon scanning an item 111, ifthe item exists 116, the user can view their shopping cart 117. If theitem being scanned does not exist in the database, the user has theoption to rescan 111. Upon filling the user's virtual shopping cart ofitems, the user may checkout 118 by paying with cash, credit card or theuser's system account (market account). If create account 112 isselected, the account is validated 120, an overview is presented 121,and the account is finalized 122, whereupon deposits may be made, creditcard information added, email added, password added, purchase historyviewed, and scan tags added. If log in to existing account 113 isselected, validation is checked 123, the overview presented 121, andfinalization 122 in the same way as for new accounts. Referring also tothe use case diagram of FIG. 30, for item scanning, if a credit card isused 124, the card is processed and the transaction completed. If cash123 is used, the system inquires whether cash change is enabled 126. Ifso, an cash change which may be due is dispensed and the transactionfinalized 127. If cash dispense is not enabled, the system checkswhether the user is logged in 128. If the user is not logged in, the useis prompted for an email 129 and a match to the account email results ina deposit to the user's account. If yes, change is deposited in directlyin the account 130. For payment by account 125, the system checks forlog in 131 and if affirmative, payment via account is finalized 132. Ifnot logged in, the system permits log in via a predetermined quick PINcode 133. For log-in 113 prior to scanning, the user may choose itemscanning 111 or options of logging in via quick PIN 133, email or username 134, credit card 135 or create account 136. Upon selection of oneof these options, the system checks for log in success and returns tolog in home if not. If successful, the system checks to see if atransaction is pending 138. If so, market account payment is finalized132. If not pending, an account overview 139 is provided. If an item isscanned, the system routes to scan item home 111. If no item is scanned,the following options are made available to the user 54: make deposit toaccount 140, add credit card 141, change email 142, change password 143,display purchase history 144, add scan tag 145, and an optional siteadministrator log in 146. As is shown in FIG. 31, a mobile device suchas an android mobile device may be registered 147 for use using thekiosk. An account barcode 149/149 is presented by the mobile device andscanned at the kiosk. If it is registered already 148, the main menu110A is presented. If not registered, a registration page 150 ispresented, at which the user can input a code for registration. If thecode is valid 151, the home page 110A is presented. If not 159, theregistration page 150 is presented once again. Examples of userinterface screens for select kiosk elements and steps are shown in FIGS.9-24.

The means and method of users 54 to shop and access the system 50 forother purposes via mobile device app access 52 is further shown in FIGS.32 and 33 which show mobile app access features of the system 50.Referring first to the use case diagram of FIG. 32, the user 54 cancheckout to purchase items 196, view purchase history 197, change theiraccount password 98, suggest 102B items or the like to be added, deletedor changed to the market, scan items 160, request a refund 161 andinitialize a withdrawal 162. Referring to the activity diagram of FIG.33, for a user 54 to login 165, the system determines whether a username and password input are valid 166. If not valid, re entry isrequired. If valid, warehouse information and settings are retrieved 169and available options are listed 168. For purchasing 169, purchase itemoption is selected 169 by the user whereupon items may be added to acart from favorites 170, by search 171 and by scan 172. A subtotal canbe viewed or checkout may occur thereafter 173. If the shopping cartdoes not contain items, the user is routed bay to select purchase item169. If the shopping cart contains item 174 the user's account balanceis compared to determine whether it is greater than the total cost ofthe shopping cart. If not, then an error is displayed 175. Of sufficientfunds exist in the account to cover the purchase, the transaction isprocessed 176. For requesting a refund 161, the option is selected 177,a transaction is chosen from a history list. 178, and a refund requestis confirmed 179. If not confirmed, and error is displayed 180, and ifconfirmed the request is sent 181. For bar code login 148/149, theoption is selected 182, the bar code is looked up and displayed 183, anduser then holds the bar code displayed on their mobile device forscanning by the kiosk 189, whereupon they are logged in to theiraccount.

FIGS. 158 and 159 show an alternative of the system including anadditional feature whereby the user can deposit funds to his or heraccount via a mobile device or the kiosk. FIGS. 160-164 show embodimentsof screens implementing the deposit to account feature on a mobiledevice.

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment of a user interface home screen for managinga user account by a user/customer or for monitoring the market by amarket administrator.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of an account registration user interfacetherefor.

FIG. 36 shows an embodiment of a user interface for confirmingregistration of an account and for viewing the account and adding otherinformation such as a link to a credit card.

FIGS. 37-41 show account management tools whereby the user of a marketcan create and manage an account, purchase items, and perform othertasks. FIG. 34 shows an embodiment of an Account—Home/Account screen oruser interface for use by a market user/customer, the screen or pageincluding links to Credit Card Info, Contact Info, Change Password,Requests, History, Coupons, Rewards and Garage Sale screens or pages.FIG. 38 shows an Account—Credit Card Information screen therefor. FIG.39 shows an Account—Contact Information screen therefor. FIG. 40 showsan Account—Change Password screen therefor. FIG. 41 shows a Request—NewItem screen therefor. FIG. 42 shows a Request—Refund screen therefor.

FIG. 43 shows an embodiment of an Administrative Management Home screenfor managing a market site for use by a market/sit administrator(“vendor”), the screen including links to Warehouse, Store, Catalogs,User, Accounting, Trust Accounting, Reports and Kitchen pages or groups.In the exemplary embodiment shown and described the Store is identifiedas “Demo”.

FIGS. 44-55 disclose the Warehouse management tools whereby a vendor canselect a warehouse from which to order items for their store (in thiscase store “Demo”) and administer warehouse functionality. FIG. 44 showsan embodiment of a Warehouse—Manage Warehouse Items page. FIG. 45 showsan embodiment of a Warehouse—Manage Warehouse Inventory page. FIG. 46shows an embodiment of an Item Look Up dialog box therefor. FIG. 47shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Import Catalog Items to Warehousepage. FIG. 48 shows an embodiment of a Create/Edit Warehouse Categoriesdialog box therefor. FIG. 49 shows an embodiment of an Edit ItemCategories for the Store “Demo” dialog box therefor. FIG. 50 shows anembodiment of a Warehouse—Create Warehouse Order page. FIG. 51 shows anembodiment of an Order Submitted Confirmation page therefor. FIG. 52shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—View Warehouse Orders page. FIG. 53shows an embodiment of a Warehouse—Receive Warehouse Order at Store“Demo” page. FIG. 54 shows an embodiment of a Catalog—Add Item To TestCatalog page. FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of a Scan To Add Items toStore page.

FIGS. 56-68 show Store management tools for use by a vendor to managetheir particular store. FIG. 56 shows an embodiment of a Store—ManageStore Items page. FIG. 57 shows an embodiment of a Store—Manage StoreInventory page. FIG. 58 shows an embodiment of a Store—Scan To Add Itemsto Demo Store page. FIG. 59 shows a Store—Verify Store Inventory page.FIG. 60 shows an embodiment of a Store—Import Items to Store page. FIG.58 shows an embodiment of a Store—Create/Edit Store Categories page.FIG. 62 shows an embodiment of a Store—Edit Demo Store Item Categoriespage. FIG. 63 shows an embodiment of a Store—Create Store Order page.FIG. 61 shows an embodiment of a Store—Change Existing Order page/dialogbox. FIG. 65 shows an embodiment of a Store—Receive Demo Store Orderpage. FIG. 66 shows an embodiment of a Store—View Store Item Informationpage. FIG. 67 shows an embodiment of a Store—Store Settings page. FIG.68 shows an embodiment of a Store—Station (or Kiosk) Settings page.

FIG. 69 shows an embodiment of a User—User Management page.

FIGS. 70-72 show Accounting functionality for the vendor/administrator.FIG. 70 shows an Accounting—Account Credit/Reimbursement page. FIG. 71shows an Accounting—Cashbox Reconciliation page. FIG. 75 shows anembodiment of a Trust Accounting—Tax Collected page.

FIGS. 73-80 show various reports functions. FIG. 73 shows an embodimentof a Reports—Cashbox Reconciliation History page. FIG. 74 shows anembodiment of a Reports—Cash Transactions page. FIG. 75 shows anembodiment of a Reports—Credit Card Transactions page. FIG. 76 shows anembodiment of an Accounting—User Transactions page. FIG. 77 shows anembodiment of an Accounting—Market Account Deposits by Date page. FIG.78 shows an embodiment of a Reports—All Transactions page. FIG. 79 showsan embodiment of a Reports—Average Customer Transactions page. FIG. 80shows an embodiment of a Reports—Sales By Item page.

FIGS. 81-90 show embodiments of touch screen user interfaces for AppleiPhone 4-5. FIG. 81 shows an embodiment of a touch screen user interfaceof a Home Screen for the mobile app for use by customers of the marketof the invention. FIG. 82 shows a Scan To Login Screen (via scanbarcode) whereby the User/Customer can simply hold their iPhone next tothe Market Kiosk and login to their account to purchase items or doother tasks. FIG. 83 shows an embodiment of a user interface forPurchase Item for Searching for items or Scanning items. FIG. 84 showsan embodiment of an Add Item via Scan screen. FIG. 85 shows anembodiment of a View Cart screen. FIG. 86 shows an embodiment of anInitial Checkout screen. FIGS. 87 and 88 shows an embodiment of final,Confirm Checkout screens. FIG. 89 shows an embodiment of an Aboutinformation screen. FIG. 90 shows an embodiment of an Account screen.

FIGS. 91-111 show yet another embodiment of the administrator interfacesfor a vendor to manage and control their market, on-line, via Warehouse,Store, Catalogs, Users, Accounting, Trust Accounting, Reports, Kitchenand Operators Manual screens and sub-screens. A preferred process forsetting up accounts for one or more stores and one or more warehouses,using the on-line tools is described below.

FIG. 112 shows a further embodiment of an interface for a user accountfor Purchasing Items.

A preferred process for an administrator/vendor for setting up andadministering warehouses and markets/stores is described below.

Setting Up a New Operation

The following information is preferred for setting up a warehouse andmarket store:

-   -   1. Warehouse name, EX: “Three Square Warehouse”.    -   2. First market site name, EX: “Three Square Breakroom”.    -   3. A full list of items currently being purchased by the vendor        and which is desired to be made a part of the market(s). These        lists can be provided as either excel file or as a CSV (comma        separated value).

Initial Log In

Once the information above is provided, the vendor/administrator canregister a user account in the master system of the Super User, forexample Three Square Market of Hudson, Wis. USA (“32Market”) via awebpage such as www.32market.com, and create a user account associatedwith a first market location.

Once the user/administrator has created user account the SuperUser (forexample, 32Market) grants additional permissions to oversee thewarehouse and market sites.

After the elevated your permissions you (administrator/vendor) canelevate your staff permission level by going to 32Markets mobile site(for example www.32market.com/mobile”) and finding them in the usermenu.

Managing a Warehouse

-   -   Import Catalog Items.        -   After selecting your (the user/administrator) catalog and            warehouse location you are ready to mark items for importing            to your warehouse. If you are adding a lot of items it may            be easier to use the “Check All” at the top of the screen            and then un-check the items you do not need.        -   All items require that you specify the minimum and maximum            stock level for your warehouse. When setting the minimums            and maximums enter values based on the boxes or cases you            receive.            -   For example: Orange Soda (case 24) min=0.5 max=1 This                means that we want to stock a minimum of 12 bottles and                a max of 24.        -   To speed up min and max assignment you can use the “Set All”            values at the top of the screen and then adjust select items            to higher or lower values.        -   For those operators that will not be using our warehouse for            inventory control we do offer the ability to bypass using            the warehouse ordering. Enter any min and max and the Super            Administrator will apply the setting once you have items in            your warehouse.    -   Manage Warehouse Items        -   This menu allows you to edit product defaults for things not            edited on a regular basis. Options include; product names,            descriptions, primary UPC, default selling price, default            sales tax rate, and re-order point.            -   Name, description, and selling price are the three                things your customers see and they can search by name so                try not to abbreviate key words.            -   The default selling price is what will import to a new                store. You can always adjust the price to something                different at the store for store specific pricing.            -   Default sales tax rate is what will import to a new                store. You can also adjust the tax rate to a different                percent at the store level.            -   Re-order point defaults to “Min” meaning an item will                not show up on a store pick list until it is equal to or                less than the minimum stock level specified. When set to                “Max” the item will show up on all store pick lists                whether one item is needed or the maximum stock level                specified. “Max” is recommended for use on items that                are customer sensitive and must “always be available”.    -   Manage Warehouse Inventory        -   This menu allows you to edit products in your warehouse,            some things you may change on a regular basis such as stock            level minimums and maximums.            -   Using the check box on the far left side of any item and                then saving will remove all checked items from your                warehouse. You can re-add them from the catalog if you                wish.            -   In the event that you change who you order a product                from you can change which vendor supplies the product.                Setting the vendor specifies to the system which items                should show up when you create a warehouse order to a                vendor.            -   You can make manual adjustments to the inventory by                adjusting the pieces on hand value or by adjusting the                boxes on hand value. *Caution* it is only necessary to                change one of the two on hand values, the other will                update automatically once the save all inventory button                is pushed.    -   Verify Warehouse Inventory        -   This function can be performed on site using an Opticon            handheld Bluetooth scanner and a mobile phone or tablet            device.            -   To access visit (32market.com/mobile) select The                Warehouse then Verify Warehouse Inventory. Scan each                item and enter the value on hand, submit to start the                next item. The mobile or tablet device must have                internet access.        -   This function can also be performed on a laptop computer            with a wired or wireless scanner; the laptop must have            internet access and be logged into 32market.com or            32market.com/mobile.    -   Create/edit Warehouse Categories        -   Through this menu you can create new categories or edit the            names of existing categories and disable existing            categories.    -   Edit warehouse item categories        -   Through this menu you can assign categories to your            warehouse items. Each item can have up to 4 categories            assigned for items that are tracked separately from their            standard category.    -   Warehouse Expiration Management        -   First, select your warehouse. If you have not yet marked            items as expirable you will see the phrase “There are no            close dated items!” To mark items as expirable click the            blue “Mark Items as Expirable” button. This will bring up a            list of every item in your warehouse. You may click the            button next to each item to Mark Item as Expirable. When            receiving these items on future orders you will now be            prompted to input the expiration date of that product.        -   To view expirable items that have already been ordered and            received you can click the blue “View Item Expirations”            button. This will bring up the list of all items that are            expirable and their expiration dates of each batch received            into the warehouse.        -   In order for you to print barcodes for your expirable items            you will need to click the blue “Print Barcodes” button.            This will allow you to print a barcode sticker for each            expirable item that was received into the warehouse. These            barcodes will include a hidden reference to the expiration            date it has in the system.    -   Create Warehouse Order        -   Select your warehouse location and vendor then click “Set            all items to Recommended” to display an automatically            generated pick list based on your current inventory levels            and your par settings for each item. You can edit these            results further to increase or decrease certain items before            creating the order with the “Create Order” button.        -   If you do not click the “Set all items to Recommended’ you            can create an order manually by viewing the entire list.            Once you have entered all desired items click the “Create            Order” button to save the order in the system.    -   Viewing a Warehouse Order        -   Select the order you want to review. You can now view the            order, print the order, or email the order depending on how            you submit your order.    -   Receiving a Warehouse Order        -   Select your warehouse location and then select the vendor            and order you want to receive. On this screen you have the            ability to edit the received quantities before finalizing            the delivery in the event product was short, damaged, or            otherwise unable to be received into inventory. Click            “Receive Items” at the bottom of the screen.    -   Warehouse Maintenance        -   Product count audit            -   We recommend auditing the warehouse product inventory at                least once per month with a handheld Opticon scanner and                a mobile phone or tablet. This will ensure accurate                warehouse inventory information for store picks and for                warehouse orders to re-supply the warehouse.                -   If you are not using our warehouse feature this is                    not required.        -   Product expiratory audit            -   We recommend checking fresh food items weekly to                bi-weekly. We recommend all operators check their shelf                stable product monthly. Frozen items can be checked                bi-monthly to quarterly.

Managing A Market

-   -   Import Items to Store        -   Select your warehouse and target store. Check the box next            to any item you want to import to the store, an item without            a box is already in the target store. Once all items have            been selected click “Copy Warehouse Items to Store.” If you            are adding many items it may be more efficient to check the            “Select All Items” at the top and uncheck the items not            needed. Note that when you are editing your min/max pars at            the store level that these are based on unit counts. A min            and max of 3/6 means you stock a minimum of 3 units and a            maximum of 6 units.    -   Create Store Order        -   Select your market location and click “Set to Recommended”            to display an automatically generated pick list based on            your current inventory levels and your par settings for each            item. You can edit these results further to increase or            decrease certain items before creating the order with the            “Create Store Order” button.        -   If you do not click the “Set to Recommended’ you can create            an order manually by viewing the entire list. Once you have            entered all desired items click the “Create Store Order”            button to save the order in the system.    -   View Store Order/Editing a Store Order        -   Select your market location and then select the order you            want to view, print, or edit. On this screen you can print            the order with the “Print” button. You can edit how many            units of each item will be sent to the store (in the event            of a shortage or sending extra). If you do make changes,            click the “Saves Order Changes” button at the top.    -   Receiving a Store Order        -   Select your market location and then select the order you            want to receive. On this screen you have the ability to edit            the received quantities before finalizing the delivery in            the event product was short, damaged, or otherwise unable to            be left at the market. Click “Receive Items” at the bottom            of the screen.    -   General Maintenance        -   Inventory Spot Checks            -   We recommend route drivers complete an inventory spot                check at least once a week to get a 10 item random                sampling to check to for inventory count inaccuracies.        -   Verify Store Inventory            -   We recommend operators complete a full inventory count                of their markets on a monthly-quarterly basis. Utilizing                a Bluetooth type handheld scanner and a mobile phone or                tablet counting a section or a store can be completed                during business hours with real-time updating of the                inventory. Customers can purchase items while you count.                In a medium or large sized market you may wish to do                sections of the market during each visit to make the                task more manageable or if you have limited availability                to access the location.        -   Facing Merchandise            -   Route drivers should recover the store on each visit by                doing the following:                -   Front products by making sure the product face is                    towards the customers.                -   Bring shelved or pegged items forward to maintain a                    full store image with an un-shopped look. This is                    especially important for theft prevention where it                    is much easier to identify a missing item on video                    footage if the shelves are neatly arranged and fully                    stocked.        -   Expiration Checks    -   In a micro market environment requests for refunds are rare.        When they do happen it is most likely related to a customer        purchasing an expired product. Expirable inventory should be        checked regularly to prevent a negative customer image and to        prevent unnecessary refund requests.        -   Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance            -   Air filters should be cleaned, water filters replaced,                coffee brewers cleaned, and coolers/freezers                temperatures checked at least monthly to maintain a safe                environment.

Reporting

-   -   Admin        -   Tax Collected—Pick a date range and check the box for each            store you want to total tax.    -   Accounting Reports        -   Balance sheet (See below)        -   Cashbox Reconciliation History            -   Select store location            -   Select date range            -   Resulting list will show each reconciliation, date, and                amount.

Example Balance Sheet

Referring also to FIG. 110, Select a Location and Date Range.

Assets

-   -   Credit—Total credit card transactions.    -   Undeposited—Cash removed from the kiosk but not yet brought to        the bank.    -   Adjusting—Reimbursements and credits issued during the date        range specified.

Liabilities

-   -   Cashtill—Amount of cash collected by the kiosk.    -   Market Acet—Final balance of customer market accounts (stored        customer credit).    -   Payroll—Amount of uncollected payroll purchase revenue.    -   Sold Product—Total value of sold products during date range.    -   Unclaimed Funds—Final value of unclaimed funds not yet claimed        from non-account cash customers.

Adjusting—Reimbursements and Credits Issued During the Date RangeSpecified.

-   -   Inventory Reports (Store and Warehouse)        -   Current Warehouse Items Report            -   A list of all warehouse items becomes available for                printing or export.        -   Current Store Items Report            -   A list of all store items (one store) becomes available                for printing or export.        -   Current Catalog Items Report            -   Search, print, or export one of your catalogs.    -   Transaction Reports        -   Cash Transactions            -   Select a store and date range, Use the “select” button                to see more detail.        -   Credit Card Transactions            -   Select a store and date range. Use the “select” Button                to see more detail.        -   User Account Transactions            -   Select a store and date range. Displays each market user                purchase with detail.        -   Market Account Deposits            -   Select a store and date range. Displays only cash and                credit card transactions that specifically added to a                market account (does not display “change” added to                accounts).        -   All Transactions            -   Select a store and date range. Displays all kiosk sales                (cash, credit, and market account) and shows the method                of payment with item details.        -   Average Customer Transactions            -   Select a store and date range. Displays many store sales                figures including number of market account holders and                averages based on user status.        -   View Recently Sold Items            -   Select a store and date range. Shows sales historically                with reference to purchasers.        -   Sales by Item            -   Select a store and date range. Results can be sorted to                view sales by highest sellers and will calculate                proceeds. Can be sorted by category.        -   Sales by Vendor            -   Select a vendor, store, and date range. Results show                sales volume based on vendor selected.

Creating a New Market

-   -   Registering the Site Name        -   Contact the Super Administrator, preferably 3-4 weeks before            the scheduled install to allow time to build the stores in            the system, set min and max, and configure tax percentages.

Store Settings

-   -   Min CC Trans Fee (Minimum Credit Card Transaction Fee)        -   Allows the operator to specify a minimum purchase amount            that will allow a credit card to be accepted. Example: If            5.00 is input, $5.00 minimum will be required on a purchase            to allow credit card usage.    -   Show Create Account        -   Entering a value of “true” will enable the “New Account”            button the kiosk for customers to use. This can be disabled            by entering a value of “false”.    -   Default email button for new sites        -   Under “Store Settings” you can set a value for            “Default_Email_Domain” to create a new button for your users            to speed up email entry. For example, if you input;            @32market.com a button will show on all screens asking for            email with “@32market.com” on it. Users can click that            button instead of typing out their email extension. Once you            have created this setting it will require a kiosk reboot to            show the new email button.    -   Show Add Dog Tag        -   Entering a value of “true” will allow market customers to            pair key ring dog tag barcodes to their account for quick            login access.    -   Kiosk Background Image        -   Speak with your Three Square Market representative to get us            a copy of your logo or custom background. We can load this            image onto our server and provide you the web address to            customize your deployed kiosks. Reminder, the kiosk must be            rebooted to display the newly assigned image.    -   Kiosk Background Color        -   The backdrop color of the kiosk screen can be customized            using hex color values. You can search Google to find these            codes but below are some common color codes. Reminder, the            kiosk must be rebooted to display the newly assigned color.            -   Visit www.colorhexa.com to view more color options.

Blue = #0000ff Grey = #eeeeee Red = #ff0000 Black = #000000

-   -   New Account Discount Percent        -   Enter the discount percent value. Example; a value of “5”            input equals a 5% discount to the mobile phone app customer            who purchases using their phone app.    -   New Account Discount Period        -   Enter the number of days a new user can receive the “New            Account Discount Percent” described above. Example; a value            of 30 would allow the new customer 30 days of getting a            discount for making purchases using their mobile phone app.    -   Quick Pick Category Image        -   This item pairs an image with the “Category for Button on            Kiosk” which allows you to create a customizable button on            the kiosk linked to a category of your choosing. If you            provide an image as a .jpg or .png to your Three Square            Market representative for your custom buttons we can provide            you the web address to link the button with the image            provided. Remember, the kiosk requires a reboot to display            the new image.    -   Category for Button on Kiosk        -   Select from the drop down list the category you want            displayed on the kiosk as a button. The most common use of            this feature is to add a “Fruit” or “Coffee” button. Once            the kiosk is rebooted the new button will display and any            item assigned to the category “Fruit” will show in that            list. This is very useful for items that do not have            barcodes or are purchased very frequently.    -   Show QuickPIN on Kiosk        -   Entering a value of “true” will display the user's quick pin            on the kiosk screen after successfully logging in. By            default this is disabled to prevent someone from trying to            steal a quick pin and password from a user. Entering a value            of “false” will hide the quick pin value after log in.    -   Ignore Warehouse Inventory        -   By entering a value of“true” in this field your store orders            will generate with all items needed regardless of your            warehouse supply. This feature is for those operators that            choose to not track inventory through the Super            Administrator (for example Three Square Market) system.            Entering a value of “false” will disable this feature.    -   Show Suggestion Button        -   Entering a value of “false” will disable the suggestion            button from showing on the kiosk screen. You can enter a            value of “true” if you want the button to show again.            Remember, it requires a kiosk reboot to make these changes            take effect on the kiosk.    -   Kiosk Auto Payment        -   Entering a value of “true” will eliminate the need for the            customer to touch the “Pay” button after swiping a credit            card or after inserting enough money to complete a cash            purchase. Select market locations have customers who do not            touch the “Pay” button.    -   Kiosk Font Color        -   The text color of the on screen text can be customized using            hex color values. You can search Google to find these codes            but below are some common color codes. Reminder, the kiosk            must be rebooted to display the newly assigned color.            -   Visit www.colorhexa.com to view more color options.

Blue = #0000ff Grey = #eeeeee Red = #ff0000 Black = #000000

Customer Service Recommendations For Supporting a Market

-   -   Personnel        -   Route staff should maintain good personal hygiene and will            only visit sites when wearing clean attire.    -   Equipment Maintenance        -   At least monthly check cooler drain hoses, evaporator            grates, and temperature of equipment.        -   Coffee brewers should be cleaned as should fountain soda            machines at least every other week to maintain good            cleanliness.    -   Product Management        -   Inventory Spot Checks            -   Through this mobile site feature a route driver can                confirm the on hand value of 10 random items in the                store. A great way to identify theft or inventory issues                on items not in your top 10 sellers.        -   Verify Inventory            -   Through this mobile site feature a route driver can use                their handheld scanner to scan the barcode of each item                and enter the current store count in real-time. This                allows for a full inventory of a store with minimal                interruption to your customers and less room for errors                resulting from product being purchased during the                inventory.        -   Expiration Checks            -   Monthly checks are recommended of all perishable                merchandise at each location. This will minimize refund                requests for this reason and maintain a strong market                image with the customers.        -   Product Rotation Check            -   Every quarter we recommend a site supervisor visit the                market and check the date codes on random items not in                your top 10 sellers to verify route drivers are properly                rotating stock.        -   Slow Sellers            -   Review your expired product lists, sales by item list,                and expired fresh food items reports.

FIGS. 115 to 118 are views of select mobile app interfaces for an AppleiPad. FIGS. 119 to 125 are views of select mobile app user interfacesfor an iPhone 5. FIGS. 126 to 133 are view of select website userinterfaces.

FIGS. 134 to 139 are views of select kiosk user interfaces. FIG. 134 isfor changing email address. FIG. 135 is for changing account password.FIG. 136 is for credit card deposit. FIG. 137 is for purchase history.FIG. 138 is for scan tag. FIG. 139 is for suggestions.

FIGS. 140 to 143 are views of select mobile app interfaces. FIG. 140 isfor feedback. FIG. 141 is to request a refund. FIG. 142 is to viewtransaction history. FIG. 143 is for withdraw funds.

FIGS. 144 to 153 are view of select website administrator interfaces.FIG. 144 is for add item to catalog. FIG. 145 is android remote support.FIG. 146 is catalog management. FIG. 147 is create store admin. FIG. 148is create vendor admin. FIG. 149 is device management. FIG. 150 isinvoice report. FIG. 151 is operator's files. FIG. 152 is operatorsmanual view. FIG. 153 is to access training videos.

FIGS. 154-157 show an alternative embodiment of a kiosk, which utilizesa tablet PC. FIG. 112 is a front view of the alternative kiosk with itsfront cover removed and showing a tablet PC embedded in a frame. FIG.113 is a front view of the alternative kiosk with the table PC removed.FIG. 114 shows a Raspberry Pi type ARM GNU/Linux microcontroller thatcommunicatively connects the table PC to a scanner module.

The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so thatpersons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention andthe manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and theaccompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and notthe exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to belimited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts todisclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonablyforeseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications thatremain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in theart that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fallwithin the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where aclaim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing aspecified function it is intended that such claim be construed to coverthe corresponding structure, material, or acts described in thespecification and equivalents thereof, including both structuralequivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents andequivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A small market for selling articlescomprising, at least one display for storing and displaying articles forsale and a kiosk for checking out articles which are purchased by auser, the kiosk being communicatively connected to a control server viathe Internet, and wherein a user and an administrator can access thecontrol server via the Internet to establish, view and edit user andadministrator accounts stored at the control server associated with themarket.